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Experts to start deciphering Flight MH17 black box today

A pro-Russia separatist shows members of the media a black box belonging to Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, before handing it over to Malaysian representatives. - AFP

AMSTERDAM: Experts will begin their forensic analysis of the MH17 black box today after receiving
it from the international investigation team spearheaded by the Netherlands, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said that the black box, comprising a cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, had been kept in a fire-proof safety box pending the reading of the recorders, which was scheduled for this morning.

“We hope that the black box will be able to reveal crucial details about what happened,” he told The Star.

He added that three Malaysian representatives, including Depart­ment of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, were part of the 10-man delegation that had flown to Farnborough, Britain, from Kiev, Ukraine.

The minister said that thorough investigations into various aspects of the tragedy could now move ahead with the black box now in expert hands, the remains of the victims on the way to the Netherlands for identification and repatriation as well as the investigation teams starting work at the crash site.

Liow voiced relief that the investigation was at last under way after mounting international outrage when the bodies remained at the crash site days after the incident, with reports of the looting of victims’ possessions and evidence tampering.

“The earlier standstill situation did not bring us any closer to finding out the truth.

“At least, now with the assurance from the separatists and the Ukrainian government, we can move to the site and begin investigations,” he said.

Liow also extended his appreciation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for playing a vital role in assisting Malaysia’s efforts.